Lancashire man jailed after £40,000 worth of cocaine found in car
James Hurst sentenced to five years for drug possession and intent to supply
Last updated 22nd Jun 2026
A 38-year-old Lancashire man has been sentenced to five years in prison after being caught with cocaine valued at over £40,000.
James Hurst, from Towngate Lane, was stopped by police on the A590 on 11th November 2025 for driving a vehicle without insurance.
During the stop, officers detained Hurst under the misuse of drugs act.
Upon searching his vehicle, they discovered cocaine in compressed form, estimated to be worth between £40,720 and £50,900.
Hurst was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and subsequently pleaded guilty at a hearing in December 2025.
He was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Friday, 19th June.
A spokesperson from Westmorland and Furness’s Community Serious and Organised Crime team commented on the case, saying: “Removing this quantity of cocaine from our streets has undoubtedly prevented significant harm. Drug dealing fuels addiction, crime, and exploitation and puts countless lives at risk. We remain committed to tackling drug crime and protecting the public.”
The investigation was part of Operation Alliance, an ongoing initiative addressing serious and organised crime in the region.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicions of drug dealing in their community via Cumbria Police’s online portal or by calling 101.